Answer to Question #16846 in Inorganic Chemistry for IML

2012-10-19T08:01:01-0400

Question #16846

can sodium hydroxide and sodium polyacrylate be absorbed into the body through skin contact. If so would they stay in the body and what kind of damage would they do: eg. would the sodium hydroxide damga fatty tissue and sodium polyacrylate remove fluid from body tissue? What kind of medical treatment could be made?

Expert's answer

2012-10-22T09:26:29-0400

Sodium polyacrylate:Because of its chemical structure, sodium polyacrylate can&#039;t be absorbed through the skin.If contact is made with skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If it gets in the eyes, flush them out thoroughly with water. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, when handling the product. Use it in a ventilated area and keep the chemical in a secure storage container.Sodium hydroxide:Routes of ExposureInhalationSodium hydroxide of sufficient strength can hydrolyze proteins in tissues and can kill cells in tissues.Home CareSeek immediate medical help. Do not make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.